Surprisingly many people haven’t heard of VoIP technology. It basically allows you to call and talk to anyone, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. With VoIP you avoid all problems with regular cell phone or landline service, including high international calling fees and limited minutes.
In 2021, it is estimated that around 63% of American homes have given up on their landlines completely. That has taken away a massive amount of customers from phone companies, who have been scrambling to stop losing money. One of the methods employed is to raise prices to make up the difference, which is bad news for their remaining users. For those that are ready to make that leap now, a quick online search could save you a lot of money.
Why Have a Home Phone?
For various reasons, having a phone at home aside from a smartphone is appealing to many people. It represents another line of communication in case you can’t get cell service. This was especially true during an era where cell phone service wasn’t perfect. As technology marched on though, more and more people are not willing to pay higher prices just to have a secondary phone at home. As a result, the landline market appears to be unsustainable.
The thing is, you don’t have to stay with those companies for the luxury of a home line. If you have the internet, there is a much better solution right around the corner.
Going Online
With the internet spreading further and further every year, the web has become an easy way to reach someone on the other side of the world. Research has shown that about 10% of international phone calls are made online with Voice over Internet Protocol. This is otherwise known as VoIP, and it may be the future of the landline. In fact, it’s already deeply rooted in the business sector of the United States. Companies are now buying more internet-based phone lines when compared to traditional services.
A big indicator of this is the airline industry. Many large airports all over the world have swapped to VoIP in order to reduce communication costs. JetBlue also relies on the tech heavily, such as taking reservations for tickets over VoIP. However, does this necessarily mean that you should swap over to it yourself?
A Test Drive
Of course, the easiest way to analyze a service is to try that service for yourself. To that end, we decided to give it a whirl to describe our experience in a non-biased fashion.
From the very start, it was easy to see how convenient VoIP can be. As long as you have the internet set up already, all it takes is to sign up with a service like Skype or Vonage. Once that is done, you can immediately start placing calls to whomever you want. As a bonus, a lot of these services don’t charge you to call inside of the United States.
Call quality was also pretty fantastic, no matter who we called. So long as both parties have a strong internet connection, everything was crystal-clear. Given the services we tested were all free or free trials, that’s pretty outstanding value.
If you have access to the internet, we do not believe that there is a need to have a landline at all. This applies to both residential and business situations, as the value is so big. When you consider how much a landline can cost nowadays even when part of a larger package, you could be savings hundreds annually by swapping to a VoIP.
The easy argument in the past was that the internet wasn’t fast enough to maintain a good quality call. Speeds are getting quicker and more reliable now though, so it’s somewhat of a moot point. Besides, if you are paying for both a landline and internet service already, it’s likely cheaper to upgrade your internet than to continue paying for the landline.
Where to Start Looking
As a creation of the internet, the easiest way to get started with VoIP is, well, the internet. Just a quick online search will show you many services that you can try. It’ll be up to you to figure out which is perfect for your own use case. Be sure to do your research and compare prices, and you’ll be able to have that second phone line at a fraction of the normal cost.
Best VoIP Providers In 2024
In 2024, several VoIP providers stand out for their exceptional service, reliability, and feature offerings. Leading providers such as RingCentral, 8×8, Vonage, and Ooma continue to dominate the market, providing businesses and individuals with flexible calling plans, advanced features, and excellent customer support. To find the best VoIP provider for your specific requirements, consider reading reviews on trusted technology websites, comparing features and pricing, and exploring each provider’s official website.
Unlimited Calling With VoIP Phones
One of the major advantages of VoIP phones is the ability to make unlimited calls without incurring extra charges. Unlike traditional phone services, VoIP providers often offer unlimited calling plans as part of their packages. This allows you to make local, long-distance, and even international calls without worrying about per-minute charges. To enjoy unlimited calling, simply subscribe to a VoIP provider that offers such plans, ensuring seamless and cost-effective communication.
Goodbye Old Phone, Hello VoIP
As VoIP technology continues to evolve, many individuals and businesses are bidding farewell to their old phone systems and embracing the benefits of VoIP. VoIP phones offer an array of features, including call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcription, virtual numbers, video conferencing, and more. With the flexibility and convenience of VoIP, you can say goodbye to outdated phone systems and hello to a modern, integrated communication solution.
VoIP Phones Are Cheaper Than Smartphones
Contrary to popular belief, VoIP phones can be significantly cheaper than traditional smartphones. While smartphones require expensive data plans and often have limitations on calling minutes, VoIP phones utilize your existing internet connection to make calls at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, VoIP providers offer competitive pricing and various plans to fit different budgets. By opting for a VoIP phone, you can enjoy cost savings and affordable communication options without compromising on quality.
Benefit From a VoIP Phone
VoIP phones offer numerous benefits that enhance your communication experience. These include high-quality audio, advanced call management features, scalability, portability, and integration with other business applications. Whether you’re a small business, remote worker, or individual looking for reliable and cost-effective communication, a VoIP phone can streamline your calling experience and improve productivity. Research VoIP providers to find a phone that meets your specific needs, and explore the features and benefits they offer.
Why Everyone is Switching to VoIP
The growing popularity of VoIP can be attributed to its numerous advantages over traditional phone systems. VoIP offers cost savings, flexibility, scalability, advanced features, and the ability to integrate with other communication tools. Additionally, VoIP eliminates the need for physical phone lines, simplifying setup and maintenance. With these benefits, it’s no wonder why everyone, from businesses to individuals, is making the switch to VoIP for their communication needs.
Web’s Best VoIP Phone Deals
For those seeking the best VoIP phone deals on the web, there are several platforms and websites to explore. Start by visiting online retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg, which offer a wide selection of VoIP phones at competitive prices. These websites often provide customer reviews and ratings to help you make an informed decision. Additionally, check the official websites of VoIP providers mentioned earlier, as they sometimes offer exclusive deals and discounts on their phone hardware.
Another useful resource is technology deal websites like TechBargains or Slickdeals, where you can find discounted VoIP phones or special promotions. These websites aggregate deals from various retailers, allowing you to compare prices and find the most attractive offers.
Furthermore, consider subscribing to newsletters or following social media accounts of VoIP providers and online retailers. They often announce flash sales, limited-time offers, or bundle deals that can help you save even more on VoIP phone purchases.
Remember to compare prices, read product reviews, and consider factors such as warranty, customer support, and compatibility with your chosen VoIP provider when making a purchase decision.
Basic VoIP phones: Prices typically range from $50 to $150. These phones offer essential calling features and are suitable for individuals or small businesses with basic communication needs.
Mid-range VoIP phones: Prices usually range from $150 to $300. These phones may have additional features such as color displays, programmable buttons, and enhanced audio quality. They are suitable for businesses with more advanced communication requirements.
High-end VoIP phones: Prices can range from $300 to $500 or more. These phones often include advanced features like touchscreen displays, video conferencing capabilities, and integration with other business applications. They are designed for businesses with demanding communication needs.
Please note that these price ranges are approximate, and it’s advisable to check current prices from reputable retailers or VoIP providers to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Additionally, promotional offers, discounts, or bundle deals may be available from specific retailers or VoIP providers, so it’s recommended to check their websites or contact them directly for any ongoing promotions or special pricing.
